Why Health Care Providers Need to Pay Attention to Two Key Antitrust Class Action Claims

Health care provider lawsuits against health insurers are gaining traction lately. Providers have recently won billions in a class action settlement with BCBS health plans, which were accused of fixing prices paid to them. Last year, lawsuits were also filed against MultiPlan and health insurers, claiming they were involved in price-fixing for out-of-network medical claims.

These cases are important for health care providers, and key deadlines are approaching.

In the BCBS settlement, a preliminary approval has been granted for providers who say BCBS health plans conspired to lower payment rates. You can find more details about this settlement at www.bcbsprovidersettlement.com.

Here are some deadlines you need to be aware of:

• March 4, 2025: Deadline to opt out or submit objections.
• July 29, 2025: Last day to submit claims.
• July 29, 2025: Final approval hearing date.

Health care providers, whether you run a facility or practice as a physician, should consider the following:

• Do you have claims related to this settlement?
• Will you opt out or join the settlement?
• If participating, what information can you gather to maximize your potential payout?
• How could the settlement terms affect your future legal actions against BCBS health plans?

Meanwhile, another significant case is unfolding in the In re Multiplan Health Insurance Provider Litigation, where the American Medical Association and many health care providers accuse major U.S. health insurers of price-fixing for out-of-network claims. They allege that by using MultiPlan to share pricing details, these insurers set low, common prices. Even though this case is still in the early stages, health care providers impacted by this price-fixing could receive significant settlements if the case is successful.

If your practice faces substantial out-of-network claims, now is the time to think about joining the MultiPlan case in Illinois.